Philip monk (?) (ninth/tenth century)

Obverse

Effaced, but bust of a bearded martyr-saint, facing, nimbate (St. Philip?). Faint tracings of an inscription to l. and r. Linear border.

Reverse

Block monogram. Linear border.

α - ι - λ - π - Φ - χ

Φιλιππῳμοναχῷ

Translation

Φιλιππῳ μοναχῷ.

Philip monk.

Commentary

The obverse is legible through comparison to other specimens, particularly to BZS.1958.106.414. The reverse monogram on this seal is strange. The block monogram is apparently for Philip, while the title of monk may be found using the Χ above the monogram with the Alpha within it, in the manner of the typical abbreviation for monk . As strange as this would be, no other resolution seems more likely. It is also possible that the monogram reads Φιλαγρίου (Philagrios).